Last October, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) distributed results of a government study which showed a rise in cases of diabetes:"Newly released statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) illustrate that diabetes has risen by over 14 percent in the last two years. The CDC estimates that 20.8 million Americans – 7 percent of the U.S. population – have diabetes, up from 18.2 million in 2003."
- ADA press release - October 26, 2005
Despite that news, when Congress passed its 2006 appropriations bill last year, it:
- Cut funding to the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation by $300,000. This marked the first time this division's funding was cut.
- Cut funding to the NIH's National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) by $9 million.
- ADA press release - December 22, 2005
Unfortunately, the White House's proposed budget for 2007 continues to slash funds for these programs:
" ... the Bush Administration recently proposed a budget that would cut funding for diabetes prevention at CDC for the second straight year."
"The Administration also proposed in its budget an $11 million cut to the NIDDK."
- ADA press release - March 30, 2006
Hearings to address diabetes funding are ongoing. The ADA's "Call to Congress", a notable event that rounds up grassroots support, will rally in Washington this June:
"Throughout the year, policy makers will hear from diabetes advocates, including at the ADA’s “Call to Congress,” June 7-9, when hundreds of diabetes advocates from across the country will meet with members of Congress to urge an increase in funding for diabetes research and prevention."
- ADA press release - March 30, 2006
If you'd like to take part in this year's Call to Congress, visit the ADA's information and registration page.
ADA press release October 26, 2005 (pdf)
Newly-released CDC Study on Diabetes Reflects Growing Diabetes Epidemic
ADA press release December 22, 2005 (pdf)
Year in Review: Federal Commitment to Diabetes Prevention Falters in 2005 as Diabetes Epidemic Grows
ADA press release March 30, 2006 (pdf)
American Diabetes Association Urges Congress to Increase CDC Diabetes Prevention Funding by $20.8 Million: One Dollar for Every American with Diabetes
ADA's Call to Congress info and registration:
Call to Congress: Conquer Diabetes An event bringing Diabetes Advocates and their elected officials together in Washington, DC
